Kolkata, 06 July (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday met veteran Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee at the actor's residence in Ballygunge during his visit to Kolkata. The meeting was not part of Shah's officially announced schedule, triggering speculation in political and social circles.

After arriving in Kolkata, Shah first visited Eco Park, where he laid the foundation stone for a 125-foot statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He then proceeded to Dr. Mookerjee's ancestral residence in Bhawanipur, where he spent some time. According to the scheduled itinerary, Shah was expected to head directly to a commemorative programme at Milan Mela. However, before attending the event, he made an unscheduled visit to Prosenjit Chatterjee's residence.

Neither side has officially disclosed the details of their discussions. The unexpected meeting has, however, fuelled widespread speculation, given the actor's stature in the Bengali film industry.

This was not the first meeting between a senior BJP leader and the actor. On February 7 this year, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, accompanied by actor Rudranil Ghosh, had visited Prosenjit Chatterjee's residence to congratulate him on receiving the Padma Shri. During that visit, Majumdar presented the actor with an idol of Ram Lalla. The discussions reportedly covered the film industry, acting, and the overall situation in West Bengal and the country.

Following that meeting, Sukanta Majumdar had clarified that it was purely a courtesy call and had no political significance. He had said that not every interaction should be viewed through a political lens and stressed that education and the film industry should remain free from political interference.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh